July 5, 2026

Italian feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel returns July 10-12

REGIONAL
Staff report

 

SPRINGFIELD – The Italian feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel will return to the South End July 10-12. On Thursday, July 9, a rosary procession will be held to center the feast in prayer, beginning at 7:30 at Casa Italiana, the Italian Social Club on Winthrop Street. The Sons & Daughters of Italy, St. Padre Pio Lodge #3013 brought back the feast last July after a 20-year hiatus.

“This feast is about honoring our ancestors while creating new traditions for future generations,” said Riccardo Albano, president of the Italian Feast and treasurer of the Sons of Italy.

“Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, the races, the religious traditions, or simply to experience the hospitality of Springfield’s Little Italy, we invite everyone to celebrate with us,” he said.

Celebrating a tradition that dates back to 1897, the feast continues one of New England’s longest-running Italian celebrations, bringing together generations of families to honor faith, heritage, and community. Thousands of visitors are expected to fill the streets surrounding the Italian Club and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for three days featuring authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, vendors, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.

New events have been added this year including the Holy Cannoli 5K & 2-mile walk, benefiting awareness of Cooley’s Anemia. Later in the day on Saturday, La Fiorentina Pastry Shop will host the first annual Cannoli Eating Contest, celebrating its 80^th anniversary.

On Sunday, the grease pole competition returns with competitors attempting to climb a 40-foot heavily greased pole, continuing a centuries-old Southern Italian tradition.

After the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, July 12, there will be a second procession of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The feast closes with a third procession Sunday evening at 9 p.m.

“Each procession tells a different chapter of the same story. The first is an invitation, as Our Lady calls her children together. The second is a public witness of faith, carrying her through the streets after celebrating the Eucharist. This third is a farewell, not a goodbye, but a promise that although the feast has ended, her watchful care over our parish and our community never does,” said Sal Circosta, the president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, St. Padre Pio Lodge.

For details about the feast go to springfielditalians.org